Executive Search Associate - CFO Practice

Higher Group; Town of Texas (WI); Hybrid; USD 248,000 - 303,000; Full time

Job summary

Higher Group seeks an Associate to support CFO executive-search mandates, partnering directly with two top producers in a global top-5 platform. You will manage sourcing, candidate flow, and process execution for CFO and office-of-the-CFO mandates in PE-backed and corporate settings.

Join a high-performing team with immediate deal flow and clear career pathways from Associate to Principal and, eventually, Partner within a Boutique/global platform.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in executive search, ideally CFO/finance mandates.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent searches with strong attention to detail.
• US-based or willing to relocate; strong client-facing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Associate role supporting two senior producers across sourcing, candidate management, and process execution.
• Focus on CFO and office-of-the-CFO mandates across private equity-backed and corporate clients.
• Provide genuine client exposure by joining meetings and building relationships with boards and CFOs.
• Drive immediate deal flow on high-profile, retained mandates from day one.
• Grow into broader partner support and, over time, principal-track responsibilities.

Job description

Associate – CFO Executive Search (Lead Support to Top Producers)

US | Hybrid | Global Top-5 Search Platform

Compensation: $275K base | Up to $500K OTE

We're partnered confidentially with one of the most prestigious executive search platforms in the world, ranked in the Global SHREK Top 5, on an exceptional and rare Associate mandate within their industry-leading CFO practice.

This is not a research-pool or shared-associate environment. You'll be hired directly to support two of the highest-producing CFO Partners in the business — a Partner and Principal generating $10M+ combined in annual production — as their dedicated right-hand and lead executor.

This is a standout opportunity for a high-performing Associate to step into one of the busiest, best-regarded CFO practices in executive search, working alongside two of the industry's most respected operators from day one.

Compensation & Structure

• Base salary up to $275,000
• Total compensation (including bonus) up to $500,000
• Bespoke bonus structure built around individual level and rolling 12-month expectations

Why this firm?

• Elite production environment: you'll be working directly alongside Partners billing $10M+ combined annually, with genuine daily exposure to how the best in the business operate
• Established, high-volume desk: one of the busiest CFO practices globally, with high-profile retained mandates and no shortage of deal flow
• Real career pathway: a structured, proven route from Associate through to Principal and ultimately Partner — the current Principal started in this exact seat
• Boutique culture, global platform: the reach and resources of a global market leader, with the collaboration and agility of a close-knit, high-performing team

The Opportunity

• Lead Associate role supporting two senior producers across sourcing, candidate management, and process execution
• Focus on CFO and office-of-the-CFO mandates (VP Finance, Controller, Treasury) across private equity-backed and corporate clients
• Genuine client exposure — join client meetings, contribute market intelligence, and build relationships with boards, private equity investors and CFOs
• Immediate deal flow on high-profile, large retained mandates from day one
• Real opportunity to grow into broader partner support and, over time, principal-track responsibility

Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience in executive search, ideally within CFO, finance, or office-of-the-CFO mandates
• Comfortable managing multiple concurrent searches with strong attention to detail and pace
• Private equity-backed client exposure strongly preferred
• Career-focused, ambitious, and looking for a long-term home rather than a stepping stone
• Strong communication and client-facing potential, with the polish and resilience to represent a top-tier global brand
• US-based or open to relocating